What's interesting is just about anyone suffering on the inside (or, from what I've seen) comes up with a mental image--an almost-real, imaginary Demon--to personify that part of themselves that won't stop torturing them.
I've heard it called the 'bifurcated self', consciousness that's split itself in two so it can create its own suffering: one weak, innocent part--the part that suffers--and one Monster.
I suppose the whole reason it exists is to give us something to touch--something to hate, something to personify what we hate about us. We let it torment us so we don't torment ourselves--even though we can't help but feel we are that thing.

You are right, however, in my case it took form more as protection. I was in a place where the fighting and attacks was manipulation and using people to attack others through rewards. There were many times where gifts were held over our heads as things to be repayed, where friends were tools to black mail and even positive expierences given to us were kind, but were actually a way to twist the knife in others, letting the imagae of ahappy family show when really we were shattering.

My demon was very self destructive for many years. I was literally my own worst enemy. It wasn't until recently I learned that it's not just a part of ne to fight or hate. Instead, it is all my stress, anger, and tactics I acquired through those rough times :) he hurt me in the beginning because I was shown that to want a hobby or like a person allowed us to be weak and give people a way in. You can't fight yourself, kill a part of you and expect happiness. You must accept all parts, see them for what they truly and and accept them for where they were and who you are now. My demon was a soldier fighting for me, trying to protect me, just using twisted orders and means because childhood me didn't know how to even control such a thing. XD

I love this kind of talk and more than willing to continue this thread XD for those who do have or struggle, please just know you are never alone. We may not know the exact pain but we can feel it through you :) just have to be willing to ske that risk!

https://www.furaffinity.net/view/59046566/